“What do you think of when you hear the word “immigrant?” For most Americans with a few generations of history in the US, it may evoke strong emotions — ranging from seeing immigrants as the “others” or outsiders to perceiving them as job stealers and resource takers. However, the reality is that, except for the Native population, every American has some connection to the immigrant identity, even if it’s a few generations removed.
According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), “An immigrant is someone who makes a conscious decision to leave his or her home and move to a foreign country with the intention of settling there.”
Despite around 45 million people born outside the US and 18 million with at least one immigrant parent, the immigrant identity remains elusive, often eliciting negative responses. Being a proud immigrant and an active participant in the identity, I strongly feel that we are one of the most misunderstood, misrepresented demographics, so much so that, sadly, many immigrants shy away from owning their, as I call it, “immigrantness.” I have heard friends say things like, “We are NOT immigrants; we are {naturalized} citizens,” not realizing that the two are not mutually exclusive.
[Read Related: Learning & Unlearning: An Immigrant’s Rite of Passage]
Some of the most famous American works of art, like the movie “The Godfather,” are centered on the immigrant experience. Yet immigrant representation in the media is less than 3%; the narrative surrounding immigrants is typically confined to political or policy discussions. Immigrants are often boxed into being either victims or villains, reducing their rich, three-dimensional humanity.
In this article, I advocate for reorienting the US consciousness about immigrants, encouraging a more authentic and genuine exploration of the immigrant experience.
Debunking Reductive Narratives
To achieve this shift, it’s crucial to debunk some problematic narratives that limit the immigrant perspective and, at the same time, highlight the diverse iterations of the immigrant experience for a more nuanced understanding. The predominant narratives about immigrants often focus on them as “job stealers,” “tiger parents,” or individuals with “weird accents” who eat “stinky food.” While discussing the diversity of immigrant cultural norms is essential, the current framing of these dimensions can be harmful. The lack of context around these experiences is a concern. Unfortunately, second-generation kids, including my children, sometimes fall into the trap of reductive narratives. Comedians leverage stereotypical identities for entertainment, reinforcing otherness rather than delving into the rich history behind accents. A different accent does not equate to a lack of education or intelligence, strongly flavored food doesn’t imply a lack of refinement, and emphasizing certain types of education doesn’t necessarily indicate a strict, less accommodating parental approach.
Instead of solely discussing challenges, there should be a paradigm shift in how stories are centered around the history of traditions and cultures immigrants bring to the US. We can celebrate and normalize accents, explore the rich traditions behind aromatic foods, and understand the reasons behind certain parenting styles.
Expanding Immigration Stories
Immigration stories should be more expansive, reflecting the diversity of immigrants’ origins, motivations, and backgrounds. Immigrants are not a monolithic group. Some come for the “American Dream” to build a better life for future generations, some for the glitz and glamour depicted in Hollywood movies, and others come for world-class education. Immigrants come from all over the world, representing various races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and socio-economic backgrounds.
I also hear stories about the generational trauma passed on by immigrant parents to their kids. Acknowledging the generational trauma is essential, but it’s equally crucial to address the lack of infrastructure for newcomers to adjust to their environments. Immigrants often feel alienated and lonely initially, struggling to cater to their own, let alone their children’s psychological needs.
The Problematic Dichotomy of “Good” vs. “Bad” Immigrants
Addressing the problematic dichotomy of “good” vs. “bad” immigrants is essential. This binary manifests in various forms —undocumented vs. documented, white-collar vs. blue-collar, white vs. non-white, and economically viable vs. entitled. Immigrants, especially those from non-European countries, are often expected to prove their worth through perceived economic value.
[Read Related: Of Motherhood and Mental Health — An Immigrant Mom’s Journey]
The rhetoric used by politicians and the media implies that if an immigrant doesn’t meet specific criteria of worthiness, they shouldn’t be part of American society. This warped line of reasoning is not only othering, but also discourages many folks from coming to the US who could otherwise enrich it. While countries like Canada rely heavily on the monetary worth of their newcomers, what sets the US apart is its ability to look beyond that, and it has worked for the US. Why fix something that isn’t broken?
Celebrating the Immigrant Spirit
Despite differences, all immigrants share the spirit to experiment, take chances, and be relentless in taking risks. Immigrants are the OG travelers, entrepreneurs, and risk-takers. They are resilient, flexible, and vulnerable, showcasing strength through their vulnerabilities. It’s time to give a big round of applause to all the immigrants who have crossed America’s shores, weaving a rich tapestry of Americanness. Without them, America wouldn’t be as appealing to the world.
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